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Why Should I Monitor My Body Composition?
Typically, total body weight is used to determine if a person is at a healthy weight.
A change in weight alone does not tell you whether you have a gain/loss of muscle or
fat. In weight management, you want to maintain muscle mass while body fat is lost.
How Does This Body Composition Scanner Work?
This unit uses BIA (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis) to measure Body Fat, Body Water,
Muscle Mass and Bone Mass. BIA sends a low intensity signal through the body. The
signal is very low and causes no bodily harm. The signal flows with a different degree of
difficulty depending upon the individual’s body fat level. This difficulty is called electrical
impedance.
Who Can Use This Body Composition Scanner?
This HealthStation is designed for individuals aged 10 – 99 years.
WARNINGS:
DO NOT use this product if you have a pacemaker or other internal
medical device. This product is not intended for use by children under 10 years of age
or pregnant women. The measurements provided are not substitutes for physician
assessments of bone mineral density or osteoporosis. Always consult your physician to
determine what is right for you.
When Should I Use This Body Composition Scanner?
For maximum accuracy and repeatability, it is recommended that the unit’s functions
be used at approximately the same time of day under the same circumstances, such
as first thing in the morning before you step in the shower. It is also a good practice
to avoid swings in the body’s hydration level prior to taking the measurement.
By establishing the pattern of your body’s fluctuation over a period of one month,
you can determine your average level of body fat, body water, muscle mass and bone
mass. Women will have more fluctuation in water content than men and need to monitor
their reading over a longer time period to establish a personal average.
You must
determine this as a reference point before measuring progress in a health
program
.
You must wait several hours before taking a reading when: drinking coffee or alcohol,
taking diuretic medications or exercising. These affect your level of hydration and the
accuracy of this scanner.
This instrument is a personal monitor and should be used in a consistent manner for
the most accurate reading. While readings may vary between this scanner and other
methods of measurement (hydro-densitometry or hand held calipers), your changes in
body fat, body water, muscle mass and bone mass shown by this instrument will be
reflected accurately.
What Is Body Fat Percentage?
Every body carries two types of body fat: essential fat and storage fat.
Essential fat is needed for normal, everyday physiological functions within the human
body. Storage fat is found just below the skin’s surface. Though some storage fat is
necessary for normal body functions, excessive amounts can be detrimental to your
health and overall quality of life. Use this chart as a guide:
Note:
Ideal body fat content is not the same for all people. Age, sex and heredity are
variables in this measurement. Always consult your physician to determine what is most
ideal for you.
Your goal in weight loss should be to increase lean muscle mass and to decrease body
fat for a higher burning metabolism and improved body tone.
† Source: University of Illinois Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition.
Body Fat Percentage Calculator. www.ag.uiuc.edu/~food-lab/ai/bfc.html
†
†
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